December 28 - Maine

I do not wish, nor intend, to keep reliving what happened one very short month ago. I will not, however, be able to forget that night and the ensuing madness. That is probably a good thing as far as safety goes. We take so much for granted, and I see people being careless with every day tasks, items, and well, just the way they live. Some people have thought of me as a bit, well, OCD I suppose when it comes to things like that.

Like having the cat carriers in the room (just in case); installing fire extinguishers in several rooms (just in case); etc. etc. Will I change my ways? No - what happened was an affirmation of my "quirks".

And YES. I know, I know, I know - and have been chastised over and over again about going back inside. In my PJs and robe. In the thick black smoke. It was not to grab a pair of pants and socks. It was not to grab photos. It was not to grab my portable safe. I went back to try to grab my kitties. Then my neighbors started screaming at me (all of them).

Would I do it again? Was it worth all these weeks of not being able to breathe properly and coughing? I have asked myself that question. Fire happens so very quickly; more quickly that you can possibly imagine (it is not like the movies, trust me). In that 1 or 2 minutes you have... while your head is processing what is happening... what would you do? That is all you get. One or 2 minutes.

Yeah. I would.

Maine. It is quiet and peaceful up here. The air is cold but it is clean and my lungs are finally clearing up (as much as they can) from the fire and ensuing madness. I noticed yesterday that I am able to breathe better than I have in weeks. This is a good thing. A very good thing :)

New Year's is fast approaching; my sister and her other half will arrive tomorrow for a weekend of festivities. I am looking forward to it! There will be food, company, and laughter.

Thanks to the unexpected generosity of a good friend, I will do some shopping next week and pick up a few sweaters, heavy socks, etc. that I was unable to salvage. New pair of nice warm gloves, too! It has been pretty darn cold up here... wind off the ocean and temps run about 8-10 degrees colder.

I have said before, I do believe everything happens for a reason. I really, truly believe that. I have had some breathing room, literally and figuratively. It has helped so much. Brain has re-engaged. A new chapter has begun for me. I am not quite ready to make plans yet for the future, but I know that will come in time (and it will not be long before my brain starts making those lists and plans!).

This is a new chapter for me. Unexpected, certainly. But here for a reason. In a way, I feel as I did when I began my trip to Canada - the unknown. So I will approach it that way. I did bring my oils and easel and brushes :) It will certainly not be 3 months of "stranded in Maine, woe is me". I will not let it :)

It will be an adventure!!

I will post again next week after the food and festivities. For now, I will leave you with the official AP newspaper article and photo of the fire. Just to get it out of my system. Those lights and ladders you see up on the second floor? That is / was my apartment. And we all know who caused the fire. It was not any one of us on the second or third floors.

Careless smoking likely ignited Ayer fire

By Chris Lisinski, clisinski@lowellsun.com

AYER - A fire that displaced four families from their apartment building on Monday evening was likely caused by a cigarette, officials said.

A fire spread through the walls just after 6 p.m. Monday. There were no injuries in the blaze, though the four families who lived there were forced to spend the night elsewhere. An investigation revealed the cause was careless disposal of smoking materials, Ayer Fire Chief Robert Pedrazzi said Tuesday.
"We're thinking it was a cigarette," he said. "It started on an outside porch and extended into the walls."
Pedrazzi said the four-unit apartment building suffered about $250,000 in damage and that repairs would take "an extended period of time." Until those are complete, the tenants will not be able to return to their homes.

"The house was built in 1900," Pedrazzi said. "It was probably quite elaborate when it was built ... But the way it's built, if they want to put it back the way it was, it's going to take some time."

Firefighters from Littleton, Devens, Shirley, and Lunenburg provided mutual aid at the scene, while firefighters from Groton provided coverage at Ayer fire stations Monday. Responders took about an hour to contain the blaze and were on the scene for approximately two and a half hours.

December 18 - Maine

Part 2 - Now

It has been a few days, but I wanted to finish this post and "the rest of the story".

I am staying in Maine, renting the basement apartment of my sister's other half's summer home, for the winter. He graciously opened up his home for me and my kittles for the next few months. I am safe, I am warm, and have pretty much what I need for a few months along the coast of Maine.

The apartment has everything I need - full kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms. I will be able to set up my easel and computer in the second bedroom. Her other half also very kindly obtained a library card as I only brought a few books with me. I will be able to borrow books from the local library during the winter on his card, which makes me very happy :)

My amazing insurance company delivered the boxes some friends and I had packed for Maine last Saturday afternoon. Travelers Insurance has been totally awesome through this whole ordeal. I cannot say enough for procuring renter's insurance (I always have when I rented). To those who have made fun of me for "wasting my money" - well. Sure was not from where I am standing.

Travelers came in and assessed the damage to my things after the Fire Marshall and when my landlord's insurance company was there. They have been in contact with the Fire Dept. and the cleaners and contractors who will be rehabbing the building the next few months. They packed up my entire apartment that was salvageable and put it into storage. They disposed of the items deemed unsalvageable - mostly "soft goods". Couch, bed, curtains, rugs, etc.

Travelers issued me an "emergency" check to cover things I needed immediately after. I left that night in my PJs and bathrobe, and had no clothes etc. with me. The firefighters rescued my kitties and medications, but for about 4 days that is all I had. They will cover the replacement cost of the items lost.

So apartment insurance? Oh yeah, more than well worth it :)

Now I am a temporary resident of Maine. My sister and her other half generally come up here every other week, but as it is coming up on Christmas and all they will not be back until New Year's. Unless it snows 6" or more, as it did yesterday. (Will explain in another post!)

Sister was here last weekend; movers arrived late Saturday afternoon. We shopped Sunday; I needed a bunch of stuff at Walmart and grocery store while she was here, so we did that. Small stuff I am able to pick up on my own. The big stuff not so much.

I unpacked my few boxes last week as the temperatures started to steadily drop. Suffice it to say I have not ventured outside in a week. It snowed yesterday; ended up with not quite 6". Then it started to rain early this morning. Temps are forecasted to drop again the next few days, so not a good scenario (they need their driveway to be clear). Sister's other half arrived late this morning to clean up the driveway and took care of more than a few things around the place for me as well.

Thus, my intrepid followers, I am ensconced in Maine for the season.

I have mentioned before, I firmly believe everything happens for a reason. I am scratching my head about the reason for this, but have faith the reason(s) will become clear to me. It is another phase in my life, for sure. I think I am dealing well with what has happened. The fire was not caused by me; everyone got out safely and all pets are alive and well.

Taking it a bit at a time here. "One foot in front of the other". I am OK and breathing a little easier. To reiterate: I am safe and warm. As are all my kitties. As I said in the previous post, the rest is just "stuff".

I will post next week, perhaps add some pictures of my new temporary quarters :) Temps will be going down tomorrow and Tuesday, and although I would like to get out to pick up a few random things I forgot I am not in a hurry.

Stay tuned. This WILL be an adventure!!

Wednesday, December 14, Maine

Part 1 - What's Happened - The Fire

Wow.... So very much has happened in the past month since my last post. I was going to post about my sister and her partner's trip to the Finger Lakes, but stuff happened, and Thanksgiving came so quickly.

The Finger Lakes trip will have to wait a bit as there is a more pressing reason I have not posted in so long.

I have been displaced for the winter (at least) due to a fire in my apartment building a few weeks ago. It started outside on the first floor according to the reports. It manifested itself with a ton of smoke. I was very tired that day, and was getting ready to settle into bed early with some dinner and TV. I must have dozed off for a few minutes prior to my plans. I woke to the smell of smoke, and when I went into the living room there was a great deal of smoke billowing up through the floor. I opened the hall door and screamed for my neighbors across and upstairs. 911 was called.

Then I did the one thing you are not supposed to do. I went back in to try to get my cats. I keep their carriers out in case of emergency. The smoke was very thick and black at this point, and my neighbors were screaming at me to get out of the building. I finally did.

The firefighters arrived quickly, and fortunately the building was not a total loss. All humans got out. All pets got out alive thanks to the wonderful, amazing firefighters. All of us had pets (mostly cats), and all survived. Those guys were amazing.Totally. Absolutely.

I called my brother (he lives about 1/2 mile away), and he arrived very soon after. I was in my PJs and bathrobe, and the head fire guy kept wanting me to leave. I would not leave the scene until all my cats had been brought down. (Yeah I am very stubborn that way. I would not leave without them.)

We (tenants) were not allowed to re-enter the building until a few days later. I was horrified with the initial shock of seeing the extent of the damage from inside. Besides a bunch of windows they had to break open, an entire wall and a half of my living room were missing. My apartment sustained the most damage, unfortunately.

I have never been in a fire before, and it is not an experience I care to repeat (or keep reliving)! There was not a lot of fire, fortunately, as it is an old Victorian style building and could have gone up like a tinder box. Mostly very heavy smoke damage.

The kitties and I stayed at my brother's for about 2 weeks. It will take 3 to 4 months for the building rehab, which is the winter. My brother's place is pretty small, and I have to give him a lot of credit for putting up with me and my 4 (alive!!) kitties. I basically overran his living room between my stuff, which was not really that much, and two ex-dog crates that housed my kitttles while I was there.

I will post again within a day or so with "the rest of the story" (as Paul Harvey used to say).

I am alive, well, safe and warm. My cats are alive, well, safe and warm. That, in the end, is really THE most important thing.

All the rest is..... just stuff.

Friday, November 11

It is so very, very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. Doctor and dentist appointments, visits with family and friends. The stuff you need to do to keep moving through life.

I am busier now than I was when working full time in Corporate offices for high-level executives. Go figure!

Being honest, I am finally fully indulging my hobbies. Working to finish up a novel - and making excellent progress. Painting, both my oils and murals. I also do a LOT of reading :) Plus my volunteer work with the local Cultural Council and the library.

Murals. I have painted a mural in every single place I have lived since I moved out from my parents. Well aware I cannot take them with me, it is just me making a statement. "Hey! I was here! I enjoyed the space." Some of them I have put a lot of time and effort into (well, one). Most - not as much. That way if the next tenant / homeowner decide they hate it, well, it is easily painted over.

I do not move very often. I (and my kitties!) dislike the interruption. I have moved exactly 8 times in my life. More than a few places were long term (over 10 years). I did not stay long in my last rental; 4 years. I needed to move on and the house held far too many ghosts.

I have only been here a few years - coming up on my third winter. But it will be my last. Come Spring I will make my final move. To my "retirement" place and house farther north on the map. This has been planned for quite some time, actually, and I will finally realize my dream.

Go figure... one who is chilly even in summer (that would be me) moves farther north by several hours.

Perhaps I should just cut to the quick and head back to PEI. Or visit Newfoundland!

I have been weeding through things, thinking about the impending move. My brother and I will be sharing a property. When I moved here I had to go through far too much stuff that was not relevant and get rid of it. Still took 2 U-hauls (the big ones) to get me here. I have unloaded a lot more baggage since then.

But not my books :) Those stay with me. They nourish me. I read for several hours every night.

It will take me longer to pack this time as my health is not fantastic, and it takes me longer to accomplish tasks than it used to.

One of the best bosses I ever had gave me some excellent words of wisdom which I will never forget: you just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.

Yeah, you do. You keep moving through life.

I am so done with the ghosts and most  of the lifetimes past. Dealt with it. Moved on to a much happier and better place in life. I think I had forgotten, for awhile, who I really was. I did not reinvent myself. I re-discovered me.


Treat next week! My sister and her significant other visited wine country in New York's Finger Lakes area. Lots of pics she graciously shared with me, and quite an interesting trip and region :)

Monday, October 31 - Hallowe'en

It has been a few weeks since I posted. Sometimes life becomes so busy it's hard to stop and take a breath. I try to; I do not like to be overly booked or so busy I cannot take time for a loved one or friend or my hobbies. I love to read (it is a passion of mine) and like to spend at least a few hours every night doing so. And "life" stuff happens. I am busier now than I ever was when I worked for so many years. Not sure how that happened!

Chores, spending time with family, visiting is some of it. I am a member of the Town Cultural Council, and have obligations there as well. We get our annual grant requests at this time of year and meet in a few weeks to decide on them. Limited funds to try and stretch to cover valuable and needed community programs that will enrich and enhance lives of our local citizens. Art, music, science, theater. Programs the schools and library could not put on without our help. I also volunteer at the local library with some of their programs.

Paint and write in my spare (ha ha) time.

And tonight is Hallowe'en. I do not get trick or treaters up here in my apartment. I really miss that. When I lived in Webster I got a TON of kids every year. Went through 4-6 bags of candy! Plus I got to see a ton of cute and original costumes. I loved it :) And I gave out the "good" candy that parents hate but kids love - Snickers, M&Ms, Reese's, Milky Way.

Hallowe'en.... when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. Its origins date back over 2000 years ago when the Druids and the Celts celebrated the "in between" of autumn and winter with a huge bonfire and feast (to keep it simple - it is far more complicated than that). It was their New Year, and a time to remember the departed and ward off evil spirits.

The Church got involved in the 9th century when it was trying to convert people and rout the pagans. As in many other instances, the Church started its own traditions based on Celtic and Druid festival days. Pope Gregory (700s) moved All Saints Day from May to October 31 as one example.

The origins of Hallowe'en (Samhain, pronounced Sow'een) lie in Ireland and the UK. It is still celebrated by Christians, Pagans, Druids, Wiccans, etc. to this day. Pumpkins are carved, candles are lit, treats are shared. Thanks is given.

Enjoy your evening, folks! I am going to light a few candles of my own and celebrate :)

October 12 - Massachusetts

Awe.

Awe is that soul-stirring wonder experienced, sparked by a number of things. The night sky lit up with endless stars. Majestic mountains rising up and dominating the landscape.The ocean, full in its fury or calm.

Webster's defines it as respect, wonder, and fear. It is, all of that, and more. I know this for a fact first-hand.

I read an article in the paper last Sunday about awe which was so aprapos. Especially after my trip to Canada. My past travel experiences - the mountains, the oceans. I have seen and experienced Nature at her best and worst.

I have re-read the article several times. I was struck by its relevance at the point I am in my life now. I will quote a bit from the article, written by Paula Spencer Scott:

"Awestruck - altered in an instant by an electricfying emotion scientists have only recently begun to study. Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast or beyond the human scale that transcends our understanding of things" [Dacher Kelmer, head psychologist of UCal Berkeley's Social Interaction Lab].

"Kids and grown-ups alike have fewer chances these days to find such transformative moments".

Too much chatter; too many electronic devices interfere. I am guilty of the same at times

Awe is "a wow of astronomical proportions...our thinking shifts".

Awe is when we realize we are part of something so much larger it almost hurts to take it all in.
I think back on all my trips and realize how extremely fortunate I have been. To have experienced, taken in, and yeah, recognized that kind of Awe.

The kind that almost brings you to your knees.

All of the mountains - the Alps in their sunny glory or in a blinding snow. The Rockies, so brilliant under a late-winter sunshine. The White Mountains I love so dearly in any season.

The edge of the sea in Canada, even in the rain. Maybe even especially in the rain.

It is an amazing treasure  and not one to be taken lightly.

I, for one, do not.

Recognize those moments and hold them. Ponder them, and hold them closely.

September 30 - October 2, Martha's Vineyard Inn Review

Apologies for the delay - I have been under the weather with a bad cold since Friday night.

The Inn was awesome! Not far outside downtown Oak Bluffs. I am (selfishly, I realize!) keeping the name to myself as I scored big time on a couple of very large rooms, both with kitchenettes and easy access for unloading and loading :) for a good price.

Hotel rooms on the Vineyard run $300-$500 a night as a rule. These were well under $200! Not to mention the size and the cleanliness!!

Brother's room was a bit smaller than mine, but he did have an end unit. Hardwood floors throughout, both of us had eat-in tables (to take advantage of the kitchenette), and all the amenities. No complimentary breakfast, but it was not a hardship. In-unit full size coffee pots and cook tops, to keep in mind for that return visit in the Spring!

I really felt quite at home! I had a full-size fridge in my room, and enough space for 3 more of me :)

Here are the pix I took. Enjoy!!

Outside office

From porch

The pic below - well it struck my odd sense of humor. The hotel was very clear about no smoking inside, etc. In fact,the whole island is (where you can smoke, or mostly cannot, how far away from the buildings, etc.). I think if the powers that be had their way the Vineyard would be entirely non-smoking.

Still, the hotel felt it had to add that sign? Made me chuckle :)

Really???

From porch - yeah it poured Sat. night!

Room

Picture in room

Kitchenette

September 30 - October 2, Martha's Vineyard

Day 3 - Sunday, October 2

Of course, the day we left dawned sunny and not a drop of rain in sight. I am seeing a disturbing trend here... Cold, rainy weather throughout my trips, and good weather the day I leave! Ah well. Mother Nature!

I am starting to think I am doomed to forever stand in the cold rain taking pictures of my beloved lighthouses and the ocean!

Packed up quickly and checked out, and headed toward the shops in downtown Oak Bluffs. I called the ferry early that morning while having my coffee to ensure they were indeed departing from OB that day. Yes, it was.

Perused a TON of shops in OB in the limited time we had, and bought a few souvenirs, etc. I do not have a lot of pix from Sunday, as most of the time was spent browsing and sighing over shops that were not open or did not open until later (Sunday).

Stopped for a quick lunch at Linda Jean's, right in the middle of the Avenue. Excellent food and service (and quick)! Brother had a crab roll; I was in the mood for grilled cheese. Had a random encounter while there - one of our servers from the previous evening at Oceanview Restaurant happened to be working there!

Linda Jean's

Extremely nice kid; personable and ambitious. Saturday night he was our main waiter; Sunday he was one of several. He had mentioned the night before he worked at another restaurant during the day, but he did not say where. It was totally random, and one of those little "happy accidents" that we just happened to run into him.

How cool was that?

Too soon headed back to the ferry. Vehicles are supposed to arrive 1/2 hour before the ferry departs.

Ferry pier

On the pier

In line for ferry

Did get a few pix, and there are some of my (in)famous random pix at the bottom of this post :)

There was actually a lot we did not get to do and see, so brother and I decided we should make a return trip to the Vineyard in the Spring (when hopefully the weather will be better). There is an alpaca farm I would like to see, plus Aquinnah's cliffs and lighthouse (did not make it there - not enough time!). I would like to get in a whole day of perusing the shops as well!

Hotel review, with pix!, will follow in a day or so.

Random, Oak Bluffs

Random, Oak Bluffs ocean

Random cottages, Oak Bluffs

Random, Oak Bluffs

September 30 - October 2, Martha's Vineyard

Day 2 - Saturday, October 1

Having stopped at a local grocery store for coffee, filters, and 1/2 and 1/2 (first-thing-in-the-morning necessities!) Friday, I was good to go for a bit on Saturday. Brother wanted breakfast, and as our destination was Edgartown we headed that way. Our goal was sightseeing, a museum, and a light house :). And breakfast (the Inn did not have food).

We stopped at a likely looking restaurant in Edgartown, but their breakfast service was just over. My brother asked if there was another place in the area. He can be very charming, especially with the ladies! The cashier, quite helpful after he loaded on the charm, pointed us in the direction of several local spots.

We opted for Edgartown Diner - what a wonderful place! I love diners, and this one was great. Diners (the REAL ones) serve no-nonsense hearty food, and this was no exception! I had a huge omelet, and brother had eggs benedict. Juice and coffee, of course, and we were good to go!

Saturday's weather was not quite as bad as Friday's, although it was still quite drizzly and chilly. Headed through Edgartown towards Martha's Vineyard Museum. It houses a wealth of history!

The museum winds its way from room to room, each with a different exhibit. It explains how Martha's Vineyard was formed and broken off the mainland milleniums ago when the glaciers melted. The whaling and shipping industries took place during more recent centuries (early and late 19th century, respectively).  Some of the artifacts they house are absolutely priceless. 

Furniture, musical instruments and a myriad of items salvaged from ship wrecks in the early 1800s. Articles of clothing actually worn during the early days of settling the Island and as the Vineyard gradually turned into a resort area.

The display of scrimshaw in the museum!! Wow. Absolutely outstanding. I have never seen so many beautiful pieces displayed in one place at the same time. There was even a cribbage board made of scrimshaw.

Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw cribbage board (top)

 The museum had a room in progress with a few exhibits of Native American art which they are expanding. The Island was originally home to the Wamapnoag, one of the 4 tribes officially recognized in Massachusetts. The Vineyard has been their home for over 10,000 years. The pottery produced from the clay of Aquinnah is absolutely goregeous.

Pottery from Aquinnah clay

Dioramas.... Again with clipper ships!! Beautifully done and so very fascinating to me.

 

 

Clipper ship diorama

Whaling ship diorama

 
 There were also a few out buildings as well, although not accessible to the public (for obvious reasons). A carriage shed housed a wooden carriage and hearse, and several wooden boats ("cats") made especially for navigating the shallow waters of the Island, as well as a Native American canoe - all hand-hewn. It was protected by plexiglass and (mostly) plastic in the front, which makes for terrible pictures.

Finally, there was a small replica of a lighthouse that housed the original 1856 Gay Head Fresnel lens which was displayed at the 1855 Paris World's Fair. At the bottom of the lighthouse - which is not open to the public - its first lens (parabolic) rests.

Museum lighthouse

Fresnel lens

The Fresnel lens is a first order lens - the largest made.

Old parabolic lens

From the web site: "The first order Fresnel lens that is on the Museum's campus was ordered for Gay Head Lighthouse, in order to provide it with a more powerful light. This lens was made in France in 1854 and served as the Gay Head Light from 1856 until it came to the Museum in 1952. The Fresnel lens was replaced at the Gay Head Lighthouse by an electrical beacon."

 


After the museum, we drove around Edgartown a bit more. Turned back toward Oak Bluffs, and stopped at the East Chop lighthouse! I was so, so happy!! We ran into a wedding party who was just finishing their photos on the lawn by the lighthouse. It was drizzling and chilly, and I felt bad for the bride wearing a strapless gown in that weather next to the ocean! She had a big smile, however :)

East Chop lighthouse

East Chop lighthouse

East Chop lighthouse

After all that, we both needed an adult refreshment, so we ended up in downtown OB again, and wetted our whistles at the MV Chowder Co. 

It was right across the street from the Flying Horses Carousel, which houses the oldest known wooden platform carousel still in operation in the US.

From the website: "The Flying Carousel is the nation’s oldest platform carousel and has been designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a national landmark. Constructed in 1876 by Charles Dare, it is one of only two Dare carousels still in existence. Originally operated as a Coney Island, NY amusement, it was moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884."

Entrance to carousel

So of course - we had to take a ride! We got the last one of the day, and alas I did not catch the brass ring. It was still so much fun!!

Carousel

Carousel

Headed back to the Inn after that. Brother wanted a short nap before dinner, but I knew if I took one I would end up sleeping for hours. So I took some pictures, and sat on the porch for a bit and perused some literature.

We had decided on a nice dinner that night, and chose the Oceanview Restaurant in Oak Bluffs. It was excellent and it was perfect! I was in desperate need of steak, and got a perfect sirloin. Brother had prime rib. We were both so full after dinner we could not eat another bite, so we each ordered dessert to go. Well I did anyhow! Brother ordered a slice of key lime pie, and could not resist taking a bite. One led to another and another :) - he had eaten almost half of it by the time we paid the bill and headed back into the bar for after-dinner drinks.

Blender issues again! No frozen mudslide that night :( I did, however, get an excellent (non-frozen) mudslide.

Headed back to the Inn, had a nightcap, and made a loose plan to peruse the myriad of shops in OB Sunday before the ferry back.

Day 3, and more pictures! will follow tomorrow.

~~~~     ~~~~     ~~~~     ~~~~

I am adding a footnote about the museum and their stewardship from their website. It is an excellent cause and one that peaks my interest, and that is why.

Museum Stewardship
As the steward of these lighthouses, the Martha's Vineyard Museum is raising money to maintain these functioning historic beacons. Admission and rental fees are used to help offset the costs of maintaining these structures. The MVM also encourages donations from the public to help renovate when necessary. If you are interested to donating money to the Museum's efforts to preserve the lighthouses, please consult the Support Page for more information. Or, contact the Director of Development Dan Waters at 508-627-4441 x121.

September 30 - October 2, Martha's Vineyard

Part 1 - Friday, September 30

Ladies and gentlemen! If you are following, you will get a treat spread out over the next few days (with lots of pix!) :) Several posts on Martha's Vineyard.

My brother and I headed out mid-morning Friday to catch the 12:00 ferry from the Cape. The weather was not spectacular, but we made it in plenty of time and I was able to get a few pix. As many times as I have taken the ferry, I have never taken my own vehicle over. So this was a first!

Crossing

Crossing

We got a seat inside, as the weather started to turn once the ferry was underway. The ocean was pretty choppy, and you could even feel the ferry rock (which is rare). Fortunately neither of us is prone to sea sickness. So my brother and I celebrated the start of the weekend with a beer during the 45-minute crossing.

We were supposed to land at Oak Bluffs. However... we landed in Vineyard Haven. I recognized the terminal as soon as I saw it, but did not say anything to brother. There was no announcement as to why the change in landing, but it did not really matter as the terminals are not terribly far apart (and I knew where I was).

I drove around for a bit, and we scoped out the general area in search of lunch. We ended up at the Lookout Tavern in Oak Bluffs, directly across the street from the OB terminal. It soon became apparent why the change in terminals: loss of power (the guy in the bucket truck was a give-away!).

Fueled up (brother had a Ruben, I had chicken salad sandwich with cranberries), I handed brother the car keys, and we drove around a bit more in the local area (hotel check-in was not until 3:00).

Unfortunately the weather took a really nasty turn that afternoon. It was extremely windy, very chilly, and raining hard.The waves were coming over the sea wall as we drove towards the Inn.

Ocean

We arrived a bit early, but our rooms were ready and we were able to check in. What a place! The rooms were huge, and each of us had a kitchenette. My room had a full-size refrigerator! I will post about the inn separately.

We headed back to downtown Oak Bluffs for dinner at Martha's Vineyard Chowder Co. One of my brother's favorite foods is clam chowder, and this restaurant has won awards for years for their chowder (I researched it before we left). I do not care for it, but there were plenty of options on the menu! I wanted him to get the full experience :)

I had scallops with wild rice and minced veggies, and a wonderful cream sauce. Brother had the clam chowder and baby-back ribs. My scallops were to die for!

Ribs & chowder

Scallops & wild rice

We had an extremely interesting night, to put it mildly! They seated us in a corner, and there was a large table of at least 12 people about arm's length away (tables are very close together). It was a 50th birthday party! The birthday boy was sporting these funky glasses and a party hat, so I asked if I could take his picture. I ended up with several!

Birthday boy

Birthday boy

Turned out we had the same taste in socks :) I was wearing a pair of argyles, and he had just bought some that he had to show off! Loved them!!

Comparing socks

Birthday boy's socks

When he got his cake and champagne, for some inexplicable reason the entire table turned and toasted me after the birthday boy. They even gave me a glass of champagne (I never turn that down!!).

How cool was that?

Cake

Not only did I make friends with the birthday people, I made some friends in the ladies' room! There was a bit of a wait, and a bunch of girls ahead of me. I was wearing my converse sneaks that night, and 2 of them expressed their love of my Kicks! Especially when I displayed they were high-tops!

Blender issues that night. Dinner and excitement done, I wanted a frozen mudslide. The restaurant did not have a working blender (really?) but pointed us in the direction of a bar up the street. Sharky's. They did accommodate!!

Frozen mudslide at long last!

Perfect ending to a great, and totally offbeat!, day. I thoroughly enjoyed myself :)

Saturday's adventures will post tomorrow!